The Growing Small Nebraska Podcast Nebraska (GSTN) Podcast is on a mission to spotlight the people and places driving rural community growth across Nebraska. Hosted by Sheila Jenkinson—a 20+ year radio veteran and 2026 Nebraska Tourism Industry “Friend of Tourism” Award recipient—the podcast dives deep into the heart of Nebraska’s small towns, featuring the community leaders, business owners, and changemakers working every day to revitalize their communities. With her strong attention to detail, Sheila brings listeners stories of resilience, rebuilding, and revitalization that remind us why small towns matter.
The podcast offers several formats to serve a broad range of audiences, featuring seven episodes each month.
- GSTN Standard Episodes drop on the 2nd and the 4th Tuesdays each month, spotlighting community-driven economic development efforts.
- Sheila’s Shoutouts, are released on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s, highlighting fun and interesting places and experiences Sheila discovers during her travels throughout Nebraska and beyond.
- Foundation Friday’s, produced in partnership with the Nebraska Community Foundation, airs on the 1st and 3rd Fridays and feature leaders of affiliated community funds from across the state.
- Growing Nebraska & Beyond airs on the 4th Friday of each month, taking listeners beyond Nebraska’s borders to explore what larger Midwest towns have to offer—helpful context for Nebraska Tourism’s efforts to reach new audiences.
For economic development professionals, the podcast is a valuable tool. It showcases local voices, promotes tourism and community pride, and connects rural Nebraska stories with listeners who might not otherwise hear them. Whether you’re looking for a fresh perspective on what’s working in small town revitalization or want to share your community’s story with a wider audience, the GSTN Podcast is a platform worth knowing.
Don’t miss a single episode, new releases every Tuesday and Friday that bring fresh stories of growth, resilience and community pride from across Nebraska and beyond.
Find the Growing Small Town Nebraska Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. The podcast is funded through sponsors, ads, and partnerships, as well as through teaching and speaking events throughout the US.
Written by Sara Groteluschen – Nebraska Public Power District, Economic Development Specialist